Obituary of Harold Smith

Harold R. Smith, a prominent resident of Burlington, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington on Saint Patrick’s Day. He was 97 years old. Harold or as his many friends callled him, “Smitty”, lived a long and healthy life, which he was extremely proud of. Up until just recently, he could be seen walking around town, quite often with his late wife “Dolly” wearing his baseball cap that had a caption saying “Older than Dirt”. His comment was always the same when he saw the local Funeral Director, “ I’m not ready yet”. He had a great sense of humor and drive to keep active. He was also extremely patriotic. He was part of Tom Brokaw referred to as t he “Greatest Generation”. He believed in being part of the community and of giving of oneself. Smitty grew up in Winchester. After he was married he lived in Winchester and Woburn for a while, before buying a Turkey Farm which was located at the end of Mountain Road in Burlington in 1942. He ran the farm for a number of years. He was a painter by trade. He had no fear of height and would not hesitate to climb a ladder to paint a steeple, house, or building. He had worked for several painting companies. He retired from Custance Brothers Painting Company in Lexington. In Burlington, he was the animal inspector for the Board of Health, Special Police officer, member of the Francis Wyman Association, and 20 year caretaker of the Francis Wyman Homestead. He was an Honorary Member of the Marine Corp League. He was a past member of the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus. He served as Assistant Scout Master for Troop 511 in Burlington for 27 years. Harold also had a softer side, which included baking homemade pies and bread. He wrote poetry for his family, especially his wife. He enjoyed gardening and walking everyday. He was a fixture at Sammy’s Store in the Winnmere section of Burlington, wher he was seen most afternoons waiting for the Times to be delivered and chatting with the store help and all the customers. He was like an adopted grandfather to all that visited the store. His son Paul’s passing last month affected Smitty deeply. Smitty’s passing was quick and although he was 97, somewhat unexpected for most including, Smitty, for they believed he would easily celebrate his 100th birthday. Smitty was the husband of the late Eleanor “Dolly” (McNamara). Loving father of Edward of Winchester, Elaine Stewart of Burlington, Carol Keene of Burlington, Gerard “Jerry” of Wilmington, the late Eleanor “Ellie” McKeon and Paul Smith. Brother of the late Florence Pierce, James “Nobbie”, Charlie, Earl, and Dorothy Smith. Also survived by 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, March 21 at 9 a.m. Follwed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Memorials in Harold’s name may be made to People Helping People, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803. For directions, obituary, and online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net or www.saintmargaretschurch.net